Hundreds stranded as Kabwe drivers park buses

CHAMBO NG’UNI, NANCY CHUNI, Kabwe
BUS drivers in Kabwe yesterday suspended their operations leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.
And two drivers who are believed to be instigating the protest by bus and taxi drivers in Kabwe have been arrested.

The protest, which started at 06:00 hours, was triggered by an accident that happened on Saturday morning at the junction of Butungwa Road and Ghana Avenue involving a mini bus which overturned as traffic police were pursuing it.
Several passengers sustained injuries and were taken to Kabwe General Hospital, where some were treated and discharged while others were admitted.
A Daily Mail survey revealed scores of commuters who included public service workers and pupils deciding to walk to their places of work and schools.
Some opted to use taxis.
One of the affected travellers, Mary Mambwe of Bwacha Township, said she was stranded because of the boycott.
Some bus drivers and call-boys broke into chants denouncing traffic police officers.
Central Province commissioner of police Lombe Kamukoshi said two drivers have been arrested for allegedly instigating the protest.
Ms Kamukoshi named the two as Paul Mwale, 33, and Bright Kakumba, 28. They are detained at Kabwe Central Police Station.
“The two drivers are believed to be the ring leaders of the protests exhibited by the drivers today hence the arrest,” Ms Kamukoshi said.
And Central Province Minister Sydney Mushanga, who had a meeting with drivers, urged them to observe the law and have valid documents for their vehicles.
And Vwalika bus station vice-chairperson Fredrick Kashimbaya accused the police of harassing bus drivers without valid reasons.